Title: Controversy Erupts Over Bradley Cooper’s Prosthetic Nose in Leonard Bernstein Biopic, But Bigger Issue Found in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Introduction:
Controversy has arisen over actor Bradley Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose in his upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic, with some labeling it as an example of “Jewface.” However, critics argue that the casting of non-Jewish actors in the hit show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which perpetuates stereotypical Jewish tropes, is a more significant problem. Let’s delve into the details.
The Bernstein Biopic and Accusations of “Jewface”:
Last week, as the trailer for Bradley Cooper’s anticipated Leonard Bernstein biopic, “Maestro,” was released, speculations arose regarding whether the prosthetic nose Cooper wore to resemble the Jewish composer could be considered offensive “Jewface.” Notably, Bernstein’s children have endorsed Cooper’s portrayal, stating that the nose accurately represents their father and that he would have approved.
Misguided Outrage on Cooper’s Portrayal:
Many argue that the outrage towards Cooper is misplaced and misguided. While Cooper is not Jewish, the focus of the biopic is not centered on Bernstein’s Jewish identity but rather on his relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre. Critics emphasize that Bernstein’s Jewishness is merely incidental to the overall narrative.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and the Problematic Casting:
If the aim is to address the problematic portrayal of Jewishness by non-Jewish actors, then “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” stands out as the most egregious offender. The Prime Video comedy, spanning five seasons, features non-Jewish actors playing characters who embody stereotypical Jewish traits.
The Concept of “Jewface”:
Comedian Sarah Silverman has described the term “Jewface” as the practice of non-Jews portraying Jewish individuals with their Jewishness as the central focus. It involves the use of makeup, exaggerated features, and accents that perpetuate caricatures rather than authentic representation.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” in Question:
The characters Midge Maisel, along with her in-laws Abe and Rose Weissman, are all portrayed by non-Jewish actors. The show’s creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, despite being raised Jewish, has been criticized for exploiting Jewish stereotypes for the sake of the series’ narrative.
Controversial Recognition:
The fact that Rachel Brosnahan, a non-Jewish actress, received an Emmy for her role as the titular character in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is seen as especially problematic. The portrayal of ethnic Judaism in the show, revolving around self-deprecating and neurotic behavior, reinforces stereotypes that have historically been used against Jewish individuals.
Discussion on Casting Choices:
Critics have questioned why Hollywood consistently chooses non-Jewish actors for Jewish roles, particularly when the characters’ Jewishness is at the forefront of their storylines. Suggesting that the casting decisions are influenced by societal expectations and biases, some argue for greater inclusivity and authenticity in representation.
Conclusion:
While there has been controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper’s prosthetic nose in the upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic, the larger issue lies in the casting choices made in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The show’s reliance on stereotypical Jewish characters played by non-Jewish actors perpetuates harmful caricatures. It is crucial for the industry to prioritize diverse and authentic representation to mitigate perpetuating damaging stereotypes.